Truck drivers have a difficult enough job in broad daylight, as the size of the vehicle and relative handling difficulty present an already high degree of risk. For many reasons, nighttime driving increases the source of a truck crash several times over.

Our truck crash attorneys here at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC, have served numerous clients who experienced nighttime truck crashes. The more you know about these situations, the safer you will be—so here is what you need to know.

How Does Fatigue Impact Truck Driving at Night?

Truck drivers often drive long hours, and even though federal regulations mandate regular rest periods and capped driving shifts, not all drivers obey these regulations. And even those who do can succumb to exhaustion and fatigue, which can slow a driver’s reaction time and impair their judgment.

This effect impacts nighttime drivers even more, especially those who have not acclimated ahead of time to late-night shifts. Our natural circadian rhythm prompts us to sleep at night, and when this kicks in, drivers sometimes have to fight both accumulated exhaustion and our body’s instinct to rest.

Additionally, as roads at night usually have less traffic and much less noise, the lack of visual and audio stimulation can lead to microsleeps or drifting attention spans. All these factors can contribute to collisions or crashes with other unsuspecting trucks or passenger vehicles.

What Role Does Limited Visibility Play in Nighttime Truck Crashes?

The relative lack of visibility at night also contributes to the risk of collisions, especially on long stretches of road without streetlights. Even with bright headlights, drivers will naturally have more difficulty spotting obstacles, wild animals, other vehicles, or even pedestrians, affecting their ability to react properly.

Additionally, the size and weight of industrial trucks affect a driver’s ability to avoid crashes: even if a truck driver spots a hazard in the headlights, the extended stopping distance of loaded vehicles can still cause collisions.

This lack of visibility gets even worse in inclement weather; rain, fog, and other poor weather conditions can obscure a trucker’s vision, even in direct sunlight. At night, the weather and low-light conditions can build on one another to prevent truck drivers from seeing road signs, obstacles, vehicles, or turns.

How Does Alcohol Use Affect Truck Crashes at Night?

Both federal and state regulations prohibit truck drivers from consuming alcohol while driving. As with regulations limiting driving hours, some truckers break these laws. However, even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver’s reaction speed and decision-making; combined with limited visibility and increased stopping distance, driving under the influence can have catastrophic consequences.

Find Security in Post-Crash Scenarios with the Albuquerque Truck Crash Lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC

If you were in a nighttime truck collision and need help, get in touch with our Albuquerque truck crash lawyers at Buchanan Law Firm, LLC by calling 505-900-3559 or filling out our online contact form for a free consultation. We have the experience necessary to build your strongest possible case. Our Albuquerque, New Mexico office serves clients in Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.